Winged Wheels

27/06/2026

Today the Winged Wheels household feels empty.

Our Simba passed away yesterday afternoon.

She was originally found in a bad way, and there was no clues as to what happened to her. Our wonderful friend and pigeon nurse extraordinaire got her back to health- not without many scares- and Simba eventually came to us. Simba was a wonky bird, she had some health needs, but she was very happy. She loved her best friend, Nemo, and they could always be found standing side by side. Simba was somehow soft and gentle alongside being a bit of a bully and diva! All the boys fancied her, and she knew it.

Yesterday she took a negative turn. We cuddled her, fed her, she happily lifted her wing for more preening, then she simply wasn't there anymore. We take a lot of comfort in knowing she didn't know she was going to die. She wasn't in pain. She was happy with her mummas, enjoying the cooler evening air.

Simba wasn't here for long, but she made a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

Fly high Simba, you were, and will always be, so very adored.

26/06/2026

We are temporarily housing uninjured young gulls.

If you find a young gull thats injured, collect and transport to The Vale Wildlife Hospital or a vet.

If the young gull is not injured:
- Check if you can return them to the correct nesting site.
- If you cannot do this, create a safe spot with water and shade for them where the parents can still see them.
- Observe for a while to see if the parents are caring for the chick.
- If the parents are not caring for the chick, or the area is unsafe, message us.

If you can, support is always appreciated through our gofundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/winged-wheels-wildlife-transport

25/06/2026

We've been receiving lots of messages about young gulls falling or jumping from roofs too early.

This heat is really impacting all our wildlife. If you do find a young gull:

1) If they are in a safe place, uninjured, and the parents are around, create a shaded area and leave some water out for the family.
2) If they are in an unsafe location, try and get them to a safer space nearby where the parents can still see them.
3) If they are injured, there is no safe space, or the parents are not around, please get them to The Vale Hospital.

❗️please also check under your cars before driving off. Lots of animals, including baby gulls, are hiding anywhere for some shade.

25/06/2026

Great post from a great rescue 🐦‍⬛❤️

People are very wary to go to the vets with wildlife, especially birds, but if we suggest taking a bird to the vet it's because they really do need veterinary care and/or an xray before we can support with the birds continued recovery.

SPA Vets are always our first port of call for companion animals and wildlife 💚

The importance of veterinary support: our vets are our lifeline 💖

In accordance to the Animal Welfare Act 2006, an important legislation that protects animals against pain, suffering or injury or disease we are proud to receive the best veterinary support.

In cases of breaks, illness and potential disease vets should always be the first port of call. But we understand it's not always easy to find wildlife friendly vets, especially in some countries or if you aren't a Rehabber.

If in doubt ask us for recommendations 💖

Thank you to the incredible:

SPA Vets
Woodlands Veterinary Centre
Wood Veterinary Group
Madra Veterinary Clinic
Harrison Family Vets, Middleton

And many others!

Even on a recent visit to Malta we were saddened by a vet's professional response to helping a bird. However these cases can be isolated, our experiences with vets has almost always been positive. It's just knowing that not all vets have the staff time/or experience to help with some cases. Although there is a duty of care not to turn birds away, please note some also have strict avian flu policies.

But to deny a bird of veterinary care (when you have access to one that can help) means you are denying them the help they truly deserve. It could make the difference between release and no release. It could make the difference between losing a foot, a wing or even chronic pain and suffering.

We are so appreciative to so many Rehabbers who've brought birds to us, when they couldn't find a vet professional 💖

DIY home methods we strongly disagree on UNLESS it is something within your skillset and had been approved/receive training from a vet. But in all cases here, we always have a vet at the end of the phone, to give reassurance and advice.

This post is about education and awareness. We never judge, we know that in some circumstances people are scared of taking a bird to a vet. I was at first with Russell, but found a team who were understanding of his needs.

Love and light,
Helen, Tristan and Russell

24/06/2026

Winged Wheels Artist Series:
'Art for the rights and lives of disabled pigeons'

Artist: Finnick Sells

Instagram:

24/06/2026

"I AM the humidifier now" - Pig

23/06/2026

Lemon hopes everyone is staying hydrated 🌞💧

20/06/2026

Let's talk euthanasia.

We understand this is a hard topic, and we understand every rescue will have their own code of ethics and stance on euthanasia.

We are not here to argue one is right and one is wrong, we are just here to clear up any misconceptions and stand by our beliefs solidified by experience- with the right care, treatment, and love, disabled pigeons can live beautiful lives.

We've also shared some of the red flags we look out for when it comes to rescues and euthanasia. As always, there can be nuance to some of these and any advice we give should be used as guidance, not law.

17/06/2026